Billy Hamblen Sr.

He was born on January 26, 1931 in Huntsville, Texas, son of the late Howard Bowden Hamblen and Macye Sublett Hamblen. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Ann Pugh Hamblen; his two sons, Billy and Bobby; his daughter-in-law, Lisa; and his grandchildren, Ethan, Marisa, Macy, and Carson.

Billy graduated from Huntsville High School in 1949. After a short time at Sam Houston Teacher’s College, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic from 1950 to 1954. After leaving the military, he returned to Huntsville and graduated in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University.

In September of 1957, Billy began his career in Channelview Independent School District as a coach and teacher. Early in his career as an educator, he began pursuing his master’s degree, which he completed in 1962. In August of the same year, he became the principal of DeZavala Elementary, where he served for five years before moving to Director of Special Services in 1967. Just a few short months later, he was named assistant superintendent. In the fall of 1974, Bill became the Superintendent of Channelview ISD. He spent the following 18 years in dedicated service to the community in this capacity before retiring in 1992. In honor of Mr. Hamblen’s dedication to the school district and community, when a new school was built in 1996 for the 5th and 6th grades, the Board of Trustees named the newly constructed campus B. H. Hamblen Middle School. Several years later, it was renamed B. H. Hamblen Elementary.

Even after retirement, Mr. Hamblen’s unrivaled passion for education led him to be an advocate for the local school district and community. An avid golfer, Billy was the namesake for the B.H. Hamblen Scholarship Golf Tournament held each year in October, and an active member the of the tournament committee. He attended all of the meetings and raised funds for student scholarships to benefit Channelview High School graduating seniors.

Beyond his commitment to improving and upholding high standards with the school community, Billy also served the community of Channelview in several capacities. He was a member of the board for the Harris County Water District No. 21 for over 20 years. He was also a long-time member of the board at the River Terrace Golf Course.

Channelview was home to Billy for over 60 years. He leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence in education. He had an intense integrity and an ability to find fairness in the most impossible situations. Friends have described him as “a giant of a man” and “one of a kind.”

In the words of his grandchildren, Billy was a great man, legendary. He was always caring and humble, but he had spunk. He loved spend time with family, play golf, and serve his community, but most of all, he loved to laugh.